This group of 17 long track skaters now join their short track teammates as Canada’s Speed Skating Team is now complete.

“I feel privileged being named to my third Olympic Team, each of which has been completely different for me. It was a thrill and a true honour to share the podium with my teammates Clara, Cindy, Kristina and Shannon,” said Christine Nesbitt, two-time Olympian and two-time Olympic medallist. “I have trained hard for the past four years and there certainly have been some ups and downs. I am very much looking forward to Sochi, and feel well prepared and supported by my coach Xiuli Wang and by the entire Speed Skating Canada team.”

“Canada has a tremendous speed skating history and today’s nominated long track athletes have the honour of carrying this legacy further,” added Marcel Aubut, President, Canadian Olympic Committee. “The long track team that Canada will send to Sochi is one of experience and determination. I, along with so many Canadians look forward to sharing some exceptional speed skating moments on the ice in Sochi.”

According to the International Skating Union quota, the Canadian Team has achieved the following quota positions in each discipline: Women’s 500m (4); Men’s 500m (4); Women’s 1000m (4); Men’s 1000m (4); Women’s 1500m (4); Men’s 1500m (4); Women’s 3000m (2); Men’s 5000m (1); Women’s 5000m (1); and one entry in the Women’s and Men’s Team Pursuits.

“This will be a day to remember for all our athletes and coaches. Our long track and short track speed skaters have given their all to be named to Canada’s Olympic Team going to Sochi. They are supported by families and friends and guided by excellent coaches and other professionals, and helped along the way by volunteers and sponsors,” added Ian Moss, CEO, Speed Skating Canada. “There is a lot more work to be done at the Games, but I want to congratulate every single athlete and coach for being named to Team Canada. We are extremely proud of you.”

“Our long-track speed skaters will soar at top speed and push themselves to the limit to achieve their full potential,” said the Honourable Michelle Rempel, Minister of State (Western Economic Diversification). “I am certain that, just like me, thousands of Canadians will be riveted to their screens, applauding your achievements. We are anxious to watch you represent our country in Sochi. Good luck!”

The Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games will take place from Feb 7-23, 2014. The Canadian Olympic Team has set a goal to contend to be the top nation in overall medals won.

List of Long Track Speed Skating athletes nominated to the Sochi 2014 Canadian Olympic Team:

First

Last

Hometown

Sport

Ivanie

Blondin

Ottawa, ON

Long Track Speed Skating

Anastasia

Bucsis

Calgary, AB

Long Track Speed Skating

Kali

Christ

Regina, SK

Long Track Speed Skating

Marsha

Hudey

White City, SK

Long Track Speed Skating

Kaylin

Irvine

Calgary, AB

Long Track Speed Skating

Christine

Nesbitt

London, ON

Long Track Speed Skating

Brittany

Schussler

Winnipeg, MB

Long Track Speed Skating

Brianne

Tutt

Airdrie, AB

Long Track Speed Skating

Danielle

Wotherspoon-Gregg

Red Deer, AB

Long Track Speed Skating

Vincent

De Haître

Cumberland, ON

Long Track Speed Skating

William

Dutton

Humboldt, SK

Long Track Speed Skating

Mathieu

Giroux

Pointe-aux-Trembles, QC

Long Track Speed Skating

Jamie

Gregg

Edmonton, AB

Long Track Speed Skating

Gilmore

Junio

Calgary, AB

Long Track Speed Skating

Lucas

Makowsky

Regina, SK

Long Track Speed Skating

Denny

Morrison

Fort St. John, BC

Long Track Speed Skating

Muncef

Ouardi

Quebec City, QC

Long Track Speed Skating

These newly-nominated 17 long track athletes now join their 10 short track teammates, 10 curling athletes, 16 bobsledders, seven lugers, four skeleton athletes, 21 women’s hockey players, eight biathletes, 25 men’s hockey players, six alpine skiers, 17 figure skaters, 11 cross-country skiers, 20 freestyle skiers and 24 snowboarders as the next members on the Canadian Olympic Team. Two more teams will be announced between now and February.